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Caulmert provides guidance ahead of noise and air pollution changes

16th November 2016

Caulmert is advising prospective developers that air quality and noise are likely to be given greater importance in future decision-making.

Caulmert, which has offices in St Asaph and Bangor (North Wales), is keen to highlight that air quality and noise will be taken into account over a much wider geographical area, in addition to the current focus on targeted problem areas.

The ‘Local air quality and noise management in Wales’ proposals currently being considered by the Welsh Government are likely to lead to changes aimed at reducing air pollution and noise, say Caulmert. The consultation period on the proposals ends on 6 December.

The proposals follow the introduction of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 which came into force in April this year. The Act sets out seven well-being goals and public bodies are required to work together to achieve all of them, which include a healthier, globally responsible and resilient Wales.

Laura Crowe, senior air quality consultant at Caulmert, said: “The consultation invites comments on whether greater emphasis should be placed on population-wide air quality improvements, alongside local measures to tackle pollution hotspots. There is also the possibility of annual reporting of progress against objectives to reduce average air pollution at dwellings.

“The proposals and Act are intended to achieve the greatest public health benefit to the people of Wales.”

“A key driving factor is inclusion of ‘levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution in air’ and the ‘percentage of people satisfied with local area as a place to live’. This could lead to changes in the way that air quality and noise are managed in Wales.”

Jim McClymont, principal environmental scientist at Caulmert, said: “We have extensive experience in air quality and noise issues and are already advising clients with the recent legislation and emerging proposals in mind.”